Inviting teens to serve as volunteers or paid part-time workers can be a great way to involve young people in ministry. However, churches should establish clear guidelines and safeguards before placing teens in roles involving children.

Is There a Minimum Age Before a Teen Can Assist in Ministry?

Churches should establish a minimum age for teen volunteers based on the responsibilities involved, the church’s supervision policy, and applicable state law.

Volunteer service and paid employment are not treated the same under federal law. For paid, nonagricultural employment, federal law generally sets age 14 as the minimum for many jobs, but 14- and 15-year-olds are subject to strict limits on permitted duties and working hours.

State law may be more restrictive, so churches should confirm both federal youth employment requirements and applicable state requirements before hiring a minor.

Can an Older Teen Supervise a Class at Church?

An older teen can assist with a class, but should not serve as the sole or primary supervisor of other minors.

Churches should require at least one screened and trained adult to remain actively present and should consider adopting a two-adult supervision policy for nursery, classroom, and off-site activities. When two adults are used, they should ideally not be related to one another.

If an adult must step away, the church should follow its written supervision policy so that the required adult coverage remains in place.

Can an Experienced Teen Babysitter Watch Children During a Home Group?

A teenager’s babysitting experience does not replace the need for adult supervision during a church-sponsored activity.

The same child-protection policies used on church property should extend to church home groups and other off-site activities. A teen should not be placed in a supervisory role alone with other minors. Having multiple teens present does not satisfy the need for screened and trained adult supervision.

Best Practices for Teen Ministry Helpers

• Use teens as helpers who assist with children, clean toys, prepare materials, and support adult leaders rather than assume primary responsibilities. Diapering and check-in responsibilities should remain with approved adult workers.
• Do not rely on a background check as the primary screening tool for a minor. The availability of juvenile information and consent requirements varies by state and screening method. Use any legally permitted screening alongside an application, references, training, and direct adult supervision.
• Require teen applicants to complete an age-appropriate worker application similar to the one used for adult workers.
• Obtain parent or guardian authorization when required by church policy, applicable law, or the screening process.
• Require teens to attend volunteer orientation and receive training on child-safety policies, appropriate interactions, emergency procedures, and reporting expectations.
• Keep ministry spaces visible and observable. Doors should have windows, and rooms should not create secluded areas where workers and children cannot be seen.
• Establish clear expectations for cell phone use, punctuality, appropriate conduct, and remaining in assigned ministry areas. Teen helpers should never remove a child from the room or take a child to a secluded location.
• Obtain two to three references from adults who can speak to the teenager’s maturity, reliability, and suitability for working with children.

Learning From Other Youth-Serving Organizations

Churches may also compare their policies with those used by reputable youth-serving organizations, such as the YMCA, Scouting America, and Girl Scouts. Resources from the CDC for youth-serving organizations can also help churches evaluate their screening, supervision, training, and safety practices.

Treat these examples as research rather than a substitute for guidance from your church’s insurer, legal counsel, denomination, or child-safety professional. Document the resources reviewed and the reasons behind your church’s final policy.

Key Takeaways for Church Leaders

Teenagers can be valuable ministry helpers, but they should not serve as the sole or primary supervisors of other minors. Churches should establish written minimum-age and supervision requirements, distinguish between volunteer service and paid employment, and confirm applicable federal and state laws before hiring a minor.

The same child-protection policies used on church property should extend to home groups and other church-sponsored activities. Teen workers should complete an application, provide references, attend safety training, and serve under direct adult supervision in visible, observable environments.

Review Your Church’s Risk-Management Practices

Your church’s policies should reflect its ministries, facilities, and applicable laws. If you would like to review how your insurance program supports your child-safety practices, contact Anchor Insurance Agency.